Parshat Behar: The Spiritual Power of Shemitah

Hello everyone, and thank you for joining me this week. Although this message is a little late, I hope you will still take the time to listen and reflect. This week, we mourn the loss of Miriam bas A Belzev—a dear neighbor, a true friend, and a living example of hesed (kindness) and yehud (unity). We knew each other for over 40 years, and from her, one could learn so much about what it truly means to be compassionate and loving. May her memory be a melitza le’osher (a plea for blessing) for her family and all who knew her.

The Spiritual Impact of Lag BaOmer

I hope you are still feeling the uplifting energy from Lag BaOmer, a special day filled with warmth, joy, and spiritual renewal. It is a time when we sing "Bar Yochai" together and recall the answered prayers and the many yeshuot (salvations) that have come through the merit of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai.

Lag BaOmer is a day of immense joy because it marks the end of a tragic period when Rabbi Akiva’s students ceased to die, and it is also the day of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s passing—a day of great spiritual revelation.

The Deeper Meaning Behind Lag BaOmer’s Joy

This week, I came across a beautiful insight from the Khatam Sofer about why Lag BaOmer is a day of joy beyond what we usually think. He explains that the joy began with the first day the man (manna) fell in the desert after the Israelites left Egypt.

Imagine the excitement—the people had been wandering without food, and suddenly bread fell from heaven. They didn’t yet know this miracle would last 40 years, but that first day brought overwhelming gratitude and happiness. This teaches us an important lesson: we must always count our blessings and be thankful for all the good Hashem provides—not only for open miracles but also for the everyday gifts.

The Power of Gratitude in Our Lives

Gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing our joy and positivity. I often remind myself, and I hope you will too, to focus on the blessings Hashem has given us. When we open our hearts, like a telephone line connecting us to Hashem, we allow blessings and spiritual connection to flow freely.

As we said last week, the word "lekavod" contains the word "kav" (line), symbolizing the direct, unbroken line between us and Hashem. When we connect sincerely, our prayers will be answered—even if not always in the way or timing we expect.

Parashat Behar: The Mitzvah of Shemitah and Spiritual Strength

This week’s Parashat Behar teaches about the mitzvah of Shemitah—the Sabbatical year when the land rests. The Torah emphasizes that all laws, including Shemitah, were given at Har Sinai.

The Midrash tells a fascinating story: When Moshe Rabbeinu ascended to receive the Torah, angels challenged his right to bring it to earth. They argued that the Torah was meant for spiritual beings, not humans. But Hashem reassured Moshe, telling him that humans, despite their challenges with the yetzer hara (evil inclination), could attain great spiritual heights.

Moshe’s ability to hold onto the Kisei Hakavod (Throne of Glory) shows that a person can rise above difficulties and reach holiness. This validates the gift of the Torah to us—humans striving for spiritual growth.

The Challenge and Reward of Observing Shemitah

Keeping Shemitah today is extremely challenging for many farmers who must stop working their fields every seventh year, leaving them open for anyone to take. The Torah calls the one who keeps Shemitah a gibbur—a person of exceptional strength and faith, comparable to an angel, because they obey Hashem even when it is difficult.

We are reminded that true spiritual greatness lies in submission to Hashem’s will, even when it involves material loss or hardship. It is normal to have questions and concerns, but Hashem promises in the Torah, "If you observe My commandments, you will not lack anything" (V’savita et birchati). Keeping mitzvot brings blessings beyond what we can foresee.

The Influence of Our Surroundings and the Importance of Shabbat

Rashi comments on the spiritual struggle of a Jewish slave sold to a non-Jewish master: how easy it can be to falter in mitzvah observance under negative influences. This teaches us not to underestimate the power of our environment.

In today’s world, many struggle to disconnect from technology and distractions on Shabbat. We must realize the beauty and spiritual power of Shabbat and mitzvot and protect ourselves from influences that pull us away from Hashem.

A Story of Renewal Through Simple Acts of Faith

I want to end with a short story I read recently: A man who emigrated from Israel faced great personal and financial hardship. His rosh yeshiva (head of the yeshiva) advised him to start small—by saying Amen as often as possible each day. Over time, this simple act helped him reconnect spiritually and brought blessings and improvement to his life.

This teaches us that no matter how far we feel, small steps toward faith can restore and uplift us.

Conclusion: Embrace Blessings and Keep the Line Open to Hashem

As we approach Shavuot and reflect on our commitment to Torah, may we remember to keep our hearts open, count our blessings, and remain steadfast in our faith. Like Moshe Rabbeinu, we can reach spiritual heights despite challenges. Like those who observe Shemitah, we can find strength in submission. And like the man who started by saying Amen, we can begin anew, trusting Hashem’s blessings to flow in our lives.